What is the role of cultural heritage in the development of modern society? What can it tell us about our society and how can it show us the way forward? How does our society benefit from cultural heritage?

These are some of the key questions that European Heritage Days in Norway will try to answer this September, when over 200 organizers will celebrate the country’s diverse cultural heritage and shared European values. The festival will gather participants from all 19 regions of Norway and is expected to attract about 30,000 visitors all across the country.

The programme for this year will include a series of educational activities with an aim is to raise awareness of the massive work that is done by volunteers to maintain and enhance cultural heritage, as well as to discuss the ways it affects our perceptions of our society and our history.

Cultural heritage enriches our everyday lives and helps us understand the development of the society we live in today. It is a means for building relationships with our past, our environment and the people around us, which is why it is essential for the modern society to embrace it and celebrate its values.

Event Highlights

Photo: Kløckers House front, Wikipedia

In Norway, the celebrations of cultural heritage during European Heritage Days will take various forms – from outdoor activities to guided tours and exhibitions at historic sites. Some of the most exciting ones will include a free visit to Kløcker's House - Arendal City Museum, where the world's largest collection of bottle-ships is kept, as well as a family event at The Silver Mines (Norsk Bergverksmuseum), which will engage children in various traditional activities. They will have an opportunity to learn how to mine for silver with a pan, chip minerals with hammer and chisel, as well as try canoeing and baking.

Another special event will be organised in Mandal, previously a major industrial town. The event titled Glamour in the small town will describe some of the stories behind one of Mandal’s successful businesses, Marnar Konfeksjonsfabrikk AS, which has been supplying exclusive party clothes to women across the country for 25 years. On 13th of September, the dresses will be back on the catwalk, together with music, short films and other surprises, while the next day will feature the exhibition about the factory between 17:00 p.m. and 19:00 p.m.

Photo: Part of Mandal town centre, Wikipedia

In addition to this, European Heritage Days visitors will have an opportunity to explore the beautiful Pasvik Valley, which is situated between Finland and Russia and which has a rich multicultural history. A visit to Pasvik, a culture without borders will focus on exploring local crafts, food and nature through various activities and games for children.

This year’s European Heritage Days in Norway will offer a number of possibilities to get involved in active exploration of cultural heritage and learn about its value for modern society. Local histories, traditions and monuments will be revived through new experiences with places that evoke the values that have been cherished in Norway for centuries.